Wolfpack Claims D1-7 District Football Title

ELGIN — Call them DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!
Elgin Public-Pope John defeated Neligh-Oakdale 36 to 20 Friday night to claim the D1-7 district title and an automatic berth in the Class D-1 State Football Playoffs to begin later this month.
On a crisp fall night the Wolfpack made every big play necessary to defeat the Warriors, ending their four-game win streak and forcing them to qualify as a “wild card” if they hope to play postseason football.
The outcome of the game was decided in the trenches, particularly in the second half. The Warriors had an edge in size with their defensive front so the Wolfpack used blocking technique and better execution to wear down their opponent.
Having scored just before the end of the first half to take a 22 to 14 lead, the Wolfpack got the ball to start the second half. On the ensuing drive the Wolfpack pounded the Warriors play after play on a 10-minute possession which ultimately ended in a Wolfpack touchdown and a two-score lead which proved to be insurmountable.
“It’s not about how big you are,” Coach Randy Eisenhauer said. “We knew they were gonna be big, we knew we gotta push ourselves up front and win it in the trenches.”

For the complete story, see the print edition of The Elgin Review